Geo Spectrum Parts & Accessories

What happens when I continue driving my Geo Spectrum with worn shock absorbers? Will it just be a bumpy ride that I'll experience?

Since the shock absorbers are tasked to absorb jarring and jolting that result from the wheels reaction to the road surface, a bumpy ride will be the outright effect of running your Geo Spectrum with worn shock absorbers. But that is just one of the many ill effects. With worn shock absorbers, the wheels thump, and thumping goes heavily when on rough roads. These will also cause uneven and rapid tire wear, a not-so-good sign of oncoming replacement cost. More than the cost, though, tire wear and damaged wheels will weaken traction and braking performance, putting you at risk.

Risks increasingly become serious as well when the car starts pulling to one side or wander from side to side. Furthermore, the car's body will lean or sway when going through corners, thus increasing the possibility to roll over. To avoid all these problems, replace worn shock absorbers.

The shift lever of my Geo Spectrum won't let me do anything at all. It's just stuck in the last gear I shifted to. What should I do?

When the transmission is locked in gear or if you could no longer shift, the shift lever of you vehicle is most possibly loose or worn already. Another sign of which is transmission jumping out of gear. The solution to this problem is to have the shift lever nuts tightened. The process requires an expert mechanic, so you'd better take your car to your most trusted auto shop. And because yours is a high mileage vehicle, the mechanic may recommend replacement of worn parts after assessment of the severity of the problem.

Why does my brake pedal go too low? Does it mean that I have to replace the brake pads again?

Having to push the brake pedal too low can be caused by a number of problems. Worn brake pads are among them, and yes, replacement is the solution to that. Replacement is also required with faulty master cylinder, weak flexible hoses, as well as faulty wheel cylinder. For low fluid level, you just have to add brake fluid. It would also be wise if you check for leaks so as to prevent further damage. But when the problem is due to a warped disc brake, the disc has to be removed and refinished. However, if the damage is beyond repair, you will have to also replace the disc.

Prevention is better than cure, as they say. In this regard, proper maintenance is the best way to prevent braking problems. Strictly follow your maintenance schedule, and never put it off for other non-essential things. Keep your senses sharp in determining any abnormalities with the braking performance. Be wary of a decline in stopping force, noises when you step on the brake pedal, and excessive travel. Make it a habit to inspect the brakes for leaks. And never settle for substandard brake parts.